Business Profile

Market Research

Sago

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Market Research.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Sago's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Customer Complaints Summary

1,206 total complaints in the last 3 years.
414 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

Initial Complaint
Date:03/29/2023
Type:Product Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Throughout my history I have been having great service with your website, just a few days ago I completed a group interview for a 2-day study. I am filing this complaint with the BBB just to get my technical issue addressed. This happened for the first time on March 29, 2023. I have spent many hours of my time today and successfully completed multiple surveys online. Once each survey has been completed successfully, after spending as much as much as 40 mins on one survey, once the survey is complete I get redirected to the homepage where I receive a prompt that I was disqualified.

I have reached out to support without any answer, Twitter, and Instagram to get my issue resolved.

I thought this was a one instance thing but there is clearly something going on. Once I get an email notification I spent my time completing the survey that was recommended to me and once its complete I do NOT receive any points and says disqualified after I successfully completed the survey. I probably successfully completed over 10+ surveys today and did not receive points for anything, even after the surveys were completed. So it is clear to me I'm unable to receive anything points even after completing the surveys successfully. Feels like I'm being ripped off.

There is clearly something going wrong with my account and I would like to get this issue to be resolved immediately so that I can resume completing surveys and given the points that I deserve for completion.
Business Response
Date: 04/03/2023
Our records show you have been in contact with Elijah, please reply back to your helpdesk ticket with the studies numbers, we will investigate this further.
Customer Answer
Date: 04/03/2023
[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

******** ******
Initial Complaint
Date:03/22/2023
Type:Order Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Dear ***,I have participated in two research studies and they have never sent the incentives for both studies. In this digital era who is using physical cards or physical checks for focus group study incentives?Study No. 1 EDN20900621 = 260$Study No. 2 TIG21801768 = 175$This is something scammy and they intentionally not replying to my emails or phone calls.I request them to send my rewards as gift cards ASAP. They have also disabled my account and not sending any survey invitations. If someone asks for their hard-earned money then this company gives punishment them. I also request them to reinstate my account and send me surveys.I want my rewards to be sent digitally or through mail ASAP.Kindly do justice to me.Thank you.
Business Response
Date: 03/24/2023
Our records show this issue has been resolved, these studies took place in the year 2020. Due to the discrepancy with the information in your profile along with several address changes, we asked for identification which you did not provide. Your account has not been active since 2021 and cannot be reinstated. Back on September 4th of ********************************************************************************************* weeks before your scheduled time. Our policy is to issue full incentive if cancelled less than 24 hours in advance, not weeks or days in advance.
Customer Answer
Date: 03/25/2023

Complaint: 19633466

I am rejecting this response because:

Hello,
Please don't try to make me fool. I did ask you my incentives for my completed studies ok. I didn't ask you for any canceled studies so stop lying here. And you said you sent me the incentives through mail. Which mail you sent through? Did you share any tracking number? It clearly seems to be a fraudulent activity from you. I again asked you to send my incentive through a digital gift card and even though you ignored my request. And you can read thousands of negative complaints against you which are available on BBB and other online review sites. And there was no reason to close my account. If someone asks for their incentives you close their account? Now I request you to activate my account and send my incentive for my hard work immediately.

Regards,

*************************
Business Response
Date: 03/27/2023
I spoke with you directly for over 25 minutes back on Jan 27, 2022 05:07 pm after you advised you would pursue legal action. Per that conversation, in addition to advising the funds have expired, you then sent an email asking for your funds to be donated to charity because you did not want a check! You could not cash a check which is why you insisted on a gift card originally. As I have advised due to your behavior/treatment to staff your account has been placed on hold and will note reactivated.
In addition, On September 30, 2022 at 03:27:40 AM you wrote the following "Dear *****,I want to donate my rewards for the two above-mentioned studies to ******************.
Please issue two checks on the name of " ****************** ".
Study No. 1 EDN20900621 = 260$
Study No. 2 TIG21801768 = 175$

Kindly do the needful.
Thank you."

Customer Answer
Date: 03/28/2023

Complaint: 19633466

I am rejecting this response because:

Have you donated my money to ********** Do you have the option to donate our earned money to any charity? Why not? Because you want to steal people's hard earned money. It's a meaningless to mention that I asked you to donate my money but you also replied that you have no option to donate my money to charity. Then you have also no right to take my money. And I have not misbehaved with any of your staff ok. If you don't pay my money then I have the right to insist you to send my money. It doesn't mean that I am rude. Now I request you to activate my account. And for the reward I ask you to send it through a digital **** gift card, or Amazon gift card, or send the check on a different name.

You can do any one of them to send my reward.

Regards,

*************************
Business Response
Date: 03/31/2023
As we advised before, your funds expired back from 2020; as a one time exception with proof of balance at time it expired, in good faith, we advised your expired gift cards could be replaced with a check. Per our conversation, you could not cash the check nor deposit the check. You requested the check be put in someone else's name. As advised, you are the account holder, we cannot change the name on the incentive payable. All incentives have to be issued in the account holders name as you are the one who participated in the study. Once we advised a check would be issued in your name you requested the funds to be donated. Per BOA, which we advised, BOA cannot mail a check to a charity on your behalf. Your funds expired and we attempted to replace that with a check at that time. This issue has been resolved as we have discussed this multiple times over 3 years ago.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/16/2023
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I completed a focus group on the Chicago Mayoral election on 3/13, and was given no information on how or when I will be paid. I have called and left messages and the payment line disconnects you when you try it. Nobody responds. Please advice.
Business Response
Date: 03/17/2023
Please refer to your confirmation email which states to allow 4-6 weeks from the date completion. The incentives for this study have not been processed at this time. Please contact our helpdesk at ******************* if you need further assistance.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/16/2023
Type:Delivery Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I participated in three studies with the company in February and I never received my pay for any of these studies. I would like to know the status of these payments and when I can expect to receive them.
Business Response
Date: 03/17/2023
Please refer to your helpdesk ticket, which states to allow 4-6 weeks for processing and shipping of your incentive. Please reply back to your helpdesk ticket if you have any questions.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/15/2023
Type:Order Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I have completed numerous studies and focus groups with Schlesinger but have never been paid. No one returns my emails or phone calls either. They scam everyone until they file complaints with the BBB and AG. They should be shut down immediately.
Business Response
Date: 03/17/2023
Our records show you have not completed any studies, please contact our helpdesk for assistance. Our records show you reached out last month asking how the point system works. Please provide the study number or the original survey invite for the study in question. Please reply back to your helpdesk ticket or create a new ticket so we can investigate further.
Customer Answer
Date: 03/17/2023

Complaint: 19601546

I am rejecting this response because: I have completed 3 studies already. Please check your records:

USQ2310143 Kids Apps Discussion - $125

UIG23800058 - Kids Apps - $250
UIG23800203 - Insurance - $125

Total Owed: $500.00

Regards,

****************
Business Response
Date: 03/24/2023
Our records show you had more than one active account, members are allowed only one account. The account you wrote in under was *************************** which shows zero participation. You participated in these studies under an account with an email address of ************************************************. We do not have any helpdesk request from you.

UIG23800058- We processed and shipped $125.00 **** gift card ending in **** on March 21st. (should receive in 5-7 business days)
UIG23800058/USQ2310143- We processed and shipped $250.00 **** gift card ending in **** on March 13th. (should receive any day now)
UIG23800203- We processed and shipped $125.00 **** gift card ending in **** on March 15th. (should receive within the next 3-5 business days)
Please contact our helpdesk at ************************************************** All 3 of your incentive was shipped to the address in your profile:
**************************************
****, ** 77493
Customer Answer
Date: 03/25/2023
[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

****************
Initial Complaint
Date:03/15/2023
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I participated in a focus group on 2/21 in *** for a Prototype Testing February - Project A, Reference #NYC23800003 for $275. I have yet to receive my incentive. I have emailed Schlesinger twice and left a message and no one has responded. They are recruiting people for focus groups and not paying them. They seem to have changed the way they pay out to the participants by issuing points that you have to then convert to either a virtual or physical card. I chose physical but have not received anything. I just think its rude that no one responds to emails. I would like to know where my incentive is.
Business Response
Date: 03/17/2023
Please refer to your helpdesk ticket, our records show your physical gift card was processed on February 23rd. Please reply back to your helpdesk ticket if you have any questions or concerns.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/14/2023
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I recently did a study for this company in January and I have not received my payment yet.
Business Response
Date: 03/17/2023
Our records show your incentive has been sent for processing, please allow 10-12 days before it arrives. Our records show you completed this study on 2/21. Please refer to your confirmation email which states the incentive will take 4-6 weeks from the date of completion. Please contact our helpdesk at ******************* if you have any questions.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/11/2023
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I completed an online focus group on finances 1/18/23. I was told to expect compensation of $150 in 4-6 weeks after. I have still not received payment. I have contacted this company multiple times with no response. How is anyone suppose to get answers from this company when no one will respond?? I will NEVER do any work for them again and I suggest everyone stay far away unless you like doing work for no money.
Business Response
Date: 03/16/2023
Our records show this issue has been resolved, for your participation in study number UIG22804254 we processed and shipped $150.00 **** gift card ending in **** on March 10th. Please reply back to your helpdesk ticket if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/10/2023
Type:Product Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Shady market-research business. Attempted to participate in a brief study for payment on 3/10/23 and had average / pleasant interactions with the staff members organizing the studyUNTIL I logged in to complete the online survey portion which required consenting to "collecting, storing, and sharing" private information such as political affiliation, "health information" <---(not even sure what this means) and sexual orientation. Very sketch, and a huge waste of time since I spent at least an hour in total completing the qualifying survey, receiving emails and phone calls about it, and now writing this review. Waste of time, ****** learned. BEWARE.
Business Response
Date: 03/16/2023
I apologize for the confusion, all survey invites you receive will ask some screening questions prior to taking the actual survey. Based on your answers to those questions determines if you qualify or not for the study in question! Our screening questions or no longer tan 2- 5 minutes. If you wish to discuss this further, please contact our helpdesk at ************************************************* as we do not have any requests from you.
Customer Answer
Date: 03/16/2023

Complaint: 19580952

I am rejecting this response because: This is a fake response. It doesn't even address the issue at hand. The problem was not in regards to the "screening survey" but rather to the required consent about collecting private and personal data that was not disclosed during the screening survey. Consenting to additional (unnecessary disclosure) in order to participate is a dishonest business practice, as I am certain they rely on people not reading the lengthy agreements before "consenting" and then participate without having a clue what this company is doing with their data.
I am requesting the advertised study compensation, and no further contact from this dishonest company.

Business Response
Date: 03/17/2023
Incentives are only issued if you completed the study; you did not complete the study in order to be compensated. We understand, you did complete the study due to the terms which is understandable as you have that right. We cannot compensate you for a study you did not complete nor participate in.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/09/2023
Type:Order Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I recently participated in a focus group dated March 2, 2023 and the confirmation email I was told that I will receive my virtual gift card five days after the study was completed. When the five days arrived I was sent an email stating that my payment was processed, but when I looked on the account the payment was not there I sent several emails inquiring when I would get my payment I received an email today March 9, **************************************************************** within another five days Ive explain to this company that Ive been working with for over 20 years. Ive never had this issue with any focus group that came out of ************* ********** but for some reason this ********** office it appears that they are playing games with peoples money I took the time to participate in the two hour study and expect to be paid for it. There shouldnt be this back-and-forth about when I receive the payment if I clearly have a copy of my confirmation letter that states I would receive the the compensation within five days it has been over five days Ive been calling the office theres no answer Im calling the ************* office and the phone appears to be off the hook or its busy , but this is so unprofessional and something needs to happen because people shouldnt be participating in your groups if youre not going to pay them.
Business Response
Date: 03/14/2023
Our records show this issue has been resolved, your incentive was processed and you made a redemption for a virtual Visa.
Customer Answer
Date: 03/15/2023

Complaint: 19562555

I am rejecting this response because:
I have still not received my payment even though I was sent a link to obtain the money its been 13 days and nothing this place is fraudulent and should be investigated.

Regards,

***********************
Business Response
Date: 03/16/2023
Our records show this issue has been resolved, your redemption was processed and your virtual reward was claimed on March 15th.
03/15/2023 08:14 PM
Reward Email Link Clicked
03/15/2023 08:14 PM
Reward Claimed
03/15/2023 08:17 PM
Reward Activated - Web
03/15/2023 08:17 PM
Online Registration Completed

BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.

Cookies on BBB.org

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

If you've experienced an issue

Filter and sort by

Sort by

Complaint status

Complaint type

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Business Response

Customer Answer

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Business Response

Customer Answer

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Business Response

Sago is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.